Interview With The Director: Sona Moghadam, “Masoumeh”

Interview with director Sona Moghadam, “Masoumeh” (2015, Iran)

“Masoumeh” (2015. Iran) screens Saturday, April 22, 2017 as part of the session “Fighting the Patriarchy.”

Synopsis: Masoumeh Atae was the victim of an acid attack at the hands of her ex-father-in-law a year-and-a-half after her divorce. Despite losing her sight and suffering severe burns, she is seeking custody of her son. As a spokesperson and representative of other acid attack victims, Masoumeh also seeks to change the penal laws in Iran and fight for justice to hold perpetrators accountable.

What inspired you to make this film?
“Violence and crime of the modern age and their destructive effects, especially on women.”

What do you want American audiences to know about this film or about the subject matter?
“I want my audience not only in America but also all over the world know that they must protest against widespread violence. We should try to set supportive laws for women and importantly, enforced them.”

Is it difficult to make films in your home country? Why or why not?
“Yes , I think making a film is a daring work. Especially when we work in the field of social documentaries about women. As a women, making films is very difficult and sometimes dangerous work. Because there are many obstacles in our way, we must pass through them.”

Is there anything else you want us to know about you as a director or about your film?
“Masoumeh could survive this crime with our help and sparkle of hope in her life. If Masoumeh was able to, so can other victims.”

Director Bio:
Sona Moghadam was born in Tehran, Iran. She is interested in creating strong character driven films about women who defy the social conventions, and most of her works focus on the experiences of women and children. Moghadam studied Directing of Cinema and Filmmaking( B.Sc) Dramatic Literature ( M.Sc) at the University of Tehran. She holds professional memberships in the Society of Stage Directors, Society of Cinema & Theatre and the Society of Youth’s Cinema in Iran.